Comedian And ‘Rel’ Co-Creator Kevin Barnett Dies at Age 32

Black Hollywood lost one of its rising stars with the death of comedian Kevin Barnett, who co-created the Fox series Rel with Lil Rel Howery.

His death was confirmed Tuesday by his talent agency UTA. He was 32.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and client Kevin Barnett. He was an incredible talent and a wonderful person,” the agency tweeted. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We will miss him.”

The cause of death is not clear.

He was a writer and executive producer on Fox’s “Rel,” and he had written for “Broad City.” Word of his passing swept through the comedy community on Tuesday afternoon. Comedy Central tweeted, “Kevin Barnett was an incredible comedian. He’ll be greatly missed.” David Alan Grier tweeted, “Too young, just too, too young.” And Chelsea Peretti tweeted, “I am so sad.” The cause of Barnett’s death has not been released.

Barnett was building his name as a standup comic, writer and actor for shows like Reland The Carmichael Show. In addition to previously being a writer for Comedy Central’s Broad City, he was also a series regular on MTV2’s Guy Code and appeared in Chris Rock’s Top Five.

Rel co-creator Howery took to Instagram upon hearing the news, saying that he “was trying to figure out what to say but I can’t I’m truly heartbroken by this and just really hurt as the hours pass… So gifted and so dope and a true friend!!!! I don’t know what else to say this is crazy to me!!!!